Fall arrester

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to fall arrester for damping a falling body, which substantially comprises a fall arrester element ( 3 ) that is linked with connecting elements ( 1, 2 ) via load suspension means ( 1′, 2 ′). The fall arrester element ( 3 ) consists of at least one fiber bundle of a thermoplastic polymer with a stress-elongation behavior that is characterized by a wide elongation range (ε 1 , ε 2 ) in which a substantially continuous force transduction takes place. In a load situation, the fall arrester element ( 3 ) is subject to an elongation (ΔL) from the instant when the load builds up to when the falling body comes to a stop. The decisive parameters for designing the fall arrester element ( 3 ) are the material used, the elongation behavior thereof and the length and number of fibers from which the material is made. The invention further relates to the use of said fall arrester in safety belts in vehicles, planes, high-speed trains, buses, motor bikes and in mountaineering.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a fall damper according to claim 1 and amethod for operation thereof, according to claim 21.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Known fall dampers use different solutions for taking up theimpact forces arising during a fall, namely:

[0003] {{dot over (-)}}

[0004] interwoven belt bands which are torn apart upon a fall.

[0005] {{dot over (-)}}

[0006] a folded-together, sewn band, whose seams tear on being stressedand thus brake the fall,

[0007] {{dot over (-)}}

[0008] a cord which is pulled through a carabiner hook upon a fall andis braked by the ensuing friction.

[0009] The disadvantage of this set of solutions is that they require along braking path in order to damp the suspended mass in the fall.

[0010] Thus damping systems are known which have in the damping zone aband folded together may times, thus somewhat according to U.S. Pat. No.5,207,363. In this zone, the band edges are sewn together, so that underthe load of the fall the single layers of the band are successively tornloose and a damping effect is attained.

[0011] The requirements for a fall damper are laid down, for example inEuropean Standard EN 355 (1992). According to this, in the testing ofdynamic performance with a rigid steel mass of 100 kg or a dummy torsoof 100 kg, the braking force F_(max) should not exceed 6.0 kN and thearresting path should not exceed 5.75 m.

[0012] The fall damper proposed in the present invention permits a massof 100 kg as provided for in the European Standard 355 (1992) to bebraked on the shortest path. In order to fulfill these standards, thefall damper according to the invention is made with a filament yarn, theforce/extension performance corresponds to the requirements for anoptimum fall damper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention has as its object to propose a fall damperwherein the braking path takes place on the shortest path and the knowndisadvantages are thereby remedied. Different uses are indicated.

[0014] A further object consists of the description of a method foroperating a fall damper.

[0015] According to the invention, this object is attained with a falldamper according to the wording of claim 1, with a method according tothe wording of claim 21, and uses according to the wording of claims23-26.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention is described in detail hereinafter, using theaccompanying drawing.

[0017]FIG. 1 shows the basic construction of the fall damper accordingto the invention

[0018]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fall damper under load

[0019]FIG. 3 shows the force/extension performance of a filament yarn

[0020]FIG. 4 shows the force-extension diagram as the basis ofcalculation for a fall damping element (idealized)

[0021]FIG. 5 shows the force-extension diagram for polypropylene 948f272

[0022]FIG. 6A shows a first embodiment example of a fall damper withfilament yarn loops

[0023]FIG. 6B shows a first embodiment example according to FIG. 6Aunder load

[0024]FIG. 7A shows a known fall damper with connecting means accordingto EN 363

[0025]FIG. 7B shows a second embodiment example of a fall damper withoutadditional connecting means

[0026]FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment example of a fall damper with anumber of loops of different lengths

[0027]FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment example of a fall damper with aprotective sheath as load-bearing element

[0028]FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment example of a fall damper withadditional yarn loops for increasing the breaking strength

[0029]FIG. 11 shows a fifth embodiment example of a fall damper withcomposite fall damping element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030]FIG. 1 shows the basic construction of a fall damper according tothe invention. The fall damper 10 has a first connecting element 1 atone end, provided for the fixing or suspension of the fall damper at theanchor point. In the lower region, the connecting element 1, withreceiving means 1′, receives a fall damping element 3. A secondreceiving means 2′ is located at the lower end of the fall dampingelement 3, to which it is connected. A second connecting element 2 iscombined with the receiving means 2′ and is provided for fastening thefalling body. The fall damping element 3, with a length L, generallyconsists of a plurality of yarns of a filament yarn specially developedfor the fall damper 10.

[0031] In order to protect the yarn, or the fall damping element 3, fromchafing and UV rays, it is packed into a protective sheath 4. The use ofsuch a sheath is optional.

[0032] The fall damping element 3 generally consists of thermoplasticpolymers. For the connecting elements 1, 2, carabiner-like parts ofplastic, textiles or metal are provided. They can be produced frommaterials such as, for example, high-strength plastics and yarns ormetal alloys.

[0033] The receiving means 1′ and 2′ act to fasten the fall dampingelement to the connecting element. They can be integrated into theconnecting means, or be fastened as separate elements to the connectingmeans, several of which can also be present (e.g., two rings).

[0034] The receiving means 1′, 2′ should have no sharp edges (onlyrounded). They are manufactured from metal, metal alloys, plastics orhigh-strength fibers. Filament yarn has the property of extending whenthere is a fall in the fall damper, and of continuously decreasing theresulting force. The properties of the yarn are described later.

[0035] The optional protective sheath 4 takes up only minimal, or no,force upon a fall, so that it permits the filament yarn to extendfreely.

[0036] Practically all the parts of the fall damper are completely or atleast partially surrounded by the protective sheath 4, so that onlyportions of the two connecting elements 1, 2 can be seen from outside.Advantageously several protective sheaths are also used; theirdistribution to the different functions of the fall damper beingdetermined as mentioned in the Examples.

[0037]FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a fall damper 10′ under load.The connecting elements 1, 2 and the receiving means 1′, 2′ correspondto those of FIG. 1. The optional protective sheath 4 has opened, so thatthe filament yarn 3 can extend unhindered. The properties of the falldamping element 3, e.g., a filament yarn bundle, are designed so thatthe test standard according to European Standard EN 355 (1992) is bestfulfilled. Accordingly, under load, the filament yarn bundle receives asubstantially constant force F (≦6 kN) until the test mass (100 kg) iscompletely stationary. After the braking of the mass, the fall damperhas extended by a length ΔL, and remains in this state. The fall damperhas to be replaced after being subjected to such a stress.

[0038] The fall damping element 3 can be constructed in various ways.The material, the extension performance, the number of fibers, and thelength are decisive for its properties. If a combination of loops ofvarious lengths comes to be used as the fall damping element, theproperties of the fall damper are given as a superposition.

[0039] As materials for the filament yarns, preferably plastics areprovided as a fiber bundle. Thus e.g. polypropylene with differentextension performance is particularly good for the damping of dynamicforces.

[0040] The fall damping element 3 is constructed as a single fiberbundle (loose fibers running parallel), as one or more loops, as awoven, knitted or flocked band, or as a knitted, plaited, doubled, ortwisted cord.

[0041] The material used has different lengths and/or thicknesses, sothat the fall damping element can also be present as a cord core withyarn plaited or woven around it.

[0042]FIG. 3 shows the force/extension performance of a filament yarn.

[0043] As the material for the fall damping element, a non-oriented oronly partially oriented filament yarn is used (low oriented yarn, LOY,or partially oriented yarn, POY) (Chemical Fiber Lexicon, Hans J.Koslowski, Deutscher Fachverlag, 11th edition, pages 95 and 137 (1997)).

[0044] In a first extension region (0, ε₁) of the force/extensioncharacteristic curve, the force uptake builds up quickly. Thereafter theyarn is characterized, in a second extension region (ε₁, ε₂) adjoiningthe first, by a constant stress uptake up to a value F_(kFiber) over anextension region which is as long as possible. This region is made fulluse of for the uniform stress uptake of the fall damper. The subsequentrise, up to a multiple of the force, on further extension of the yarn ina third extension region (ε₂, ε₃) adjoining the second prevents the falldamper breaking at high stress. A smooth build-up of the fall speedwithout resulting damage to the falling body is thereby ensured, and onoverload the remaining forces of the arresting impact are taken up untilthe falling body is stationary.

[0045] Optionally, for additional safety reserve, a material, orrespectively a loop with tear-resistant yarn (e.g., DYNEMA) with theminimum length L+ΔL (length of the fall damper plus extension length ofthe fall damper) can be integrated into the fall damper. This preventsbreaking of the fall damper even when strongly overloaded.

[0046] If a number of similar, loosely assembled yarn fibers or yarnthreads are present in a fall damping element, a new force-extensiondiagram results by superposition of the individual force-extensiondiagrams, and can be allocated to that of the fall damping element.

[0047] The described three extension regions are also valid for theforce/extension performance of the fall damping element and are alsoused hereinafter with the same designations. In this case, the value forF_(kFiber) is of course a multiple of that of the individual fiber.

[0048]FIG. 4 shows a force-extension diagram as a calculation basis fora fall damping element (idealized).

[0049] The number of fibers required for optimum braking of the massdiffers according to the kind of processing (weaving, plaiting,twisting, etc.). If the yarn of the fall damper elements is not furtherprocessed, i.e., a loosely assembled fiber bundle is present, the numberof the fibers and the extension length of the fall damping element canbe determined using the following equations (I), (II) and (III):

n=F _(const) /F _(kFiber)  (I)

ΔL=mgh/[(1−ε₁/2ε₂)·n·F _(kFiber−) mg]  (II)

[0050] Furthermore the required filament yarn length is calculatedaccording to Equation (III):

L=ΔL·100%/ε₂  (III)

[0051] where

[0052] ΔL [m]=extension length of the fall damper

[0053] L [m]=length of the filament yarn for the fall damping element

[0054] m [kg]=mass to be caught

[0055] g [m/s²]=acceleration due to gravity

[0056] h [m]=height of fall of mass to be caught

[0057] ε₁ [%]=extension path in % up to constant force progression (FIG.4)

[0058] ε₂ [%]=extension path in % up to additional increase in force(FIG. 4)

[0059] Equations II and III are to be understood from theforce-extension diagram from FIG. 4. The course of the effectiveforce-extension diagram 6 of FIG. 3 was idealized by straight lines 0-A,A-B, B-C and C-D in order to simplify the calculation. The valuescalculated on this basis are however on the safe side, since theidealized rise of force runs flatter in the extension region (0, ε1).

[0060]FIG. 5 shows a force-extension diagram of polypropylene 948f272,which was used for the first embodiment example.

[0061] The polypropylene yarn used with the titer 948f272 has thefollowing force-extension properties (Chemical Fiber Lexicon, Hans J.Koslowski, Deutscher Fachverlag, 11th edition, pages 171-172 (1997)):

[0062] The filament yarn builds up a constant force of 3.59 N in thefirst 8.5% of the extension path, or in the first extension region (0,ε₁). This force remains constant over the further extension—in thesecond extension region (ε₁, ε₂)—at 80.8%, which corresponds to a totalextension of 89.3% of the yarn. Thereafter the force increases in thethird extension region (ε₂, ε₃) to 11.36 N at 353% extension. Theconstant course of the force is used for the fall damping element, andthe following increase of force acts as a safety reserve if there is apossible overload of the fall damper.

[0063]FIGS. 6A and 6B show a first embodiment example of a fall damperwith a filament yarn loop, unloaded or respectively under load.

[0064] The fall damping element 3 consists of a yarn loop ofpolypropylene 948f272 with 836 wraps, with a loop periphery of 1.856 m,or L=0.928 m.

[0065] An upper and a lower protective sheath 4′, 4″ act to protect thefilament yarn against chafing at the connecting points to the upper andlower carabiner hooks 1, 1′. The protective sheaths 4′, 4″ consist of aDuplix 1t flexible tube (Mammut Tec AG, CH-5703 Seon). They are looselypushed into a middle protective sheath 4, so that upon a fall thefilament loops in the fall damper can freely extend (FIG. 6B). Themiddle protective sheath 4 consists of the same material as theprotective sheaths 4′, 4″; however, this is not essential. The carabinerhooks 1, 1′ are manufactured from an aluminum alloy.

[0066] The calculation of the fall damping element 3 was performed withEquations (I)-(III) and gave:

[0067] From Equation (I): n=1672 fibers with a titer of 948f272

[0068] From Equation (II): ΔL=0.829 m

[0069] From Equation (III): L=0.928 m

[0070] In order to fulfill the test standard for fall dampers accordingto European Standard EN 355 (1992), namely to brake a mass of 100 kgfrom [ ]4 m height with max. 6,000 N, the fall damping element specifiedhere has to be made with a bundle of 1,672 fibers of type PP 948f272.The required fiber length is 0.928 m. The mass is braked within a pathof 0.829 m by this fall damping element.

[0071] This calculation only holds for filament yarn fibers or loops,loosely joined together. If the yarn is woven, plaited or twisted, etc.,the number of fibers and the required length of the fall damping elementmust be calculated in another way.

[0072]FIG. 7A shows a known fall damper with connecting means accordingto EN 363. Fall dampers for personal protection equipment (PSA) againstfalls are used in the arresting systems corresponding to GermanIndustrial Standard (DIN) EN 363. The fall damper 3 (European StandardEN 355) is connected on one side to a arresting belt (European StandardEN 361) and on the other side is suspended on a connecting means orconnecting cord 8 (European Standard EN 354) which is fastened to afixed position. The length of the fall damper including the connectingmeans should not exceed [ ]2 m.

[0073]FIG. 7B shows a second embodiment example of a fall damper withoutfurther connecting means.

[0074] The two elements of the connecting means or cord (EN 354) andfall damper (EN 355) are united into one element to give a fall dampingelement 3′.

[0075] For the filament yarn of the fall damper in this alternative, aconstant course of force over an extension of about 50% is sufficient.Then a fall damper with a length of about 1.50 m is required, in orderto brake a body of 100 kg from a height of 4 m. This fall damper is nowno longer suspended on a connecting means, but directly fastened to afixed position or to the anchor point.

[0076]FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment example of a fall damper with anumber of loops of different length.

[0077] The connecting elements 1, 1′ and the protective sheath 4 can beseen. The fall damping element 3 is formed here by four yarn loops11-14, which have a slightly increasing length. While each individualyarn loop has a force/extension performance according to FIG. 3, theforce/extension performance of the fall damping element 3 shows a“staircase-like” course in the second extension region, which in factprovides substantially constant stress uptake.

[0078] The yarn loops are extended in a series in a load dropping,without, however, tearing.

[0079]FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment example of a fall damper with aprotective sheath as a load-bearing element, in a partial view.

[0080] So that no permanent lengthening occurs of the fall damper at apre-load of 2.0 kN (Test Standard for Static Pre-Loading, EN 355), themiddle protective sheath 4 is sewn together with the upper and lowerprotective sheaths 4′, 4″ by means of the seams 15, 15′. The seam isdesigned so that up to a static load of 2.0 kN it does not break, buthowever yields or tears under a force of 6.0 kN in a dynamic arrestimpact.

[0081] As the upper and lower protective sheaths, e.g. a flexible tubeof the type Duplix 2t (Mammut Tec AG) can be used. For the middleprotective sheath, e.g., a flexible tube of the type Duplix 3t (MammutTec AG) can be used. The seam consists of polyester yarn. The remainingstructure corresponds to FIG. 1.

[0082] The protective sheaths are pushed oppositely against each other,welded, adhered or seamed, whereby the protective sheath(s) receive anat least partial load-bearing function. Under a dynamic load, this leadsto separation of the protective sheaths, while in the static case theforces are taken up by the protective sheaths, without a separationoccurring.

[0083] In a fall, the upper and/or lower protective sheaths 4′ and 4″are torn out of the middle protective sheath 4. The assembled filamentyarn bundle 3 is pulled out of the protective sheath 4 and is unfoldedto its full length. Thereafter the fall damper begins to continuouslydecrease the arresting impact. The protective sheaths can also be madeof elastic or partially elastic materials. The protective sheathsthereby become a load-bearing element, which distinguishes this example.

[0084]FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment example of a fall damper withadditional yarn loops for increasing the tear strength.

[0085] For additional safety against tearing apart of the fall damper, asecond yarn 3′ with higher breaking strength is integrated into the falldamping element 3. As an example, a DYNEEMA yarn or a KEVLAR fiber, or ap-Aramid fiber can be used (Chemical Fiber Lexicon, Hans J. Koslowski,Deutscher Fachverlag, 11th edition, page 88 (1997)). 70 yarns or 35turns with this yarn first tear at a force of about 25 kN. So that thecontinuous braking of the body by the filament yarn loops 3 is notprevented by the additional loops before the complete stopping of thebody, the firmer yarn loop 3′ needs the following minimum length:L(Gmin)=L+ΔL (=length of the fall damping element+extension length ofthe fall damper).

[0086] The proportion of the selected high-strength fiber material canbe up to 50%. Furthermore, polyamide, polyester and p-Aramid arepreferably used, these materials having in particular a differentbreaking extension.

[0087]FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment example of a fall damper withassembled fall damping element.

[0088] So that the length of the fall damper 10 does not have tocorrespond to the required length of the filament yarn for optimumbraking of a body, the fall damping element 3 can be assembled withinthe protective sheath 4. An advantageous shortening and a compact packetof the fall damping element is thereby attained. As previouslydescribed, the carabiner hooks 1, 1′ as connecting elements, thereceiving means 2, 2′, the upper and lower protective sheaths 4′, 4″,and the middle protective sheath 4 can be seen.

[0089] A method for operation of a fall damper according to theinvention is described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 3. In the caseof normal load dropping, the arresting impact is substantially taken upby the fall damping element 3 in the first and second extension regions(0, ε₁; ε₁, ε₂). “Normal” means that the load corresponds to thespecified values of the relevant standards. In the overload case, in thethird extension region (ε₂, ε₃), forces of the arrest impact which arepossibly still remaining are taken up, or braked, until the falling bodyis stationary. “Overload case” means that the load is above thespecified values of relevant standards. In an extreme overload case,after the third extension region (ε₂, ε₃), the remaining forces aretaken up by the allotment of the additional high-strength fibermaterials. “Extreme overload” refers to a load which is far outside thestandards, but for which a safety reserve is still provided.

[0090] If a fall damping element with elastic or at least partiallyelastic properties is present during load dropping, the fall dampingelement will be completely or partially deformed after the extensioncaused by the load.

[0091] Uses of such fall dampers are found as safety belts in vehicles,in that the collision force of a human body is provided for by a belt,band or other restraining element connected to the fall damper.

[0092] A fall damping element of the kind described, for example, in abelt restraining system in motor vehicles, arrests the forward-collidingbody mass with a predefined force. It is thus suitable for damping thecollision forces on a safety belt or on an airbag.

[0093] There are further uses in connection with safety belts inaircraft, high-performance trains, buses and motorcycles, and also inconnection with emergency restraining systems; likewise as additionaldamping elements of the falling force in jump nets, and also in mountainsports, together with a cord as an additional damping element for rockclimbing and ice climbing.

[0094] For damping forces which arise as shocks, as is the case in rockclimbing and ice climbing, only a short portion of the extension path,or respectively of the extension element, is required. The fall dampingelement can thus be provided for multiple, short-term stresses.

1. Fall damper for damping a falling body, wherein it has at one end aconnecting element (1) for mounting the fall damper (10) at the anchorpoint; wherein the first connecting element (1) has a first receivingmeans (1′) which acts to fasten a fall damping element (3) ofthermoplastic polymer to the connecting element (1); wherein at theother end of the fall damper (10) a second connecting element (2) with asecond receiving means (2′) is provided and likewise acts to fasten thefall damping element (3); wherein the second connecting element (2) isprovided for mounting the body; wherein the fall damping element (3) inthe case of load dropping is distinguished by a rapid force uptake in afirst extension region (0, ε₁), has a substantially constant forceuptake in a second extension region (ε₁, ε₂) adjoining the first, andhas a substantially rising force uptake in a third extension region (ε₂,ε₃) adjoining the second and ensuring a smooth buildup of the fallingspeed without damaging consequences for the falling body and which, whenthere is an overload, takes up the remaining forces of the arrest impactup to a stationary state of the falling body, the extension lengths ofthe fall damping element (3) being given by a path (ΔL).
 2. Fall damperaccording to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer consists of afilament yarn, preferably of polypropylene.
 3. Fall damper according toclaim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer consists of a monofilamentpolyester or polyamide, which has elastic or at least partially elasticproperties.
 4. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-3, wherein thefall damping element (3) consists of a textile or plastic-like material.5. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the fall dampingelement (3) is present as an individual fiber bundle, as a loop, wovenas a band, as a knitted, doubled, plaited or twisted cord.
 6. Falldamper according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the fall damping element(3) has a number of loops or a fiber bundle of a synthetic material withdifferent lengths and/or thicknesses.
 7. Fall damper according to one ofclaims 1-6, wherein the fall damping element (3) is surrounded by atleast one protective sheath (4), so that only the two connectingelements (1, 2) are visible from the outside.
 8. Fall damper accordingto one of claims 1-7, wherein the fall damping element (3) is present asa fiber bundle or at least one loop, which is surrounded by at least oneprotective sheath (4, 4′, 4″).
 9. Fall damper according to one of claims1-8, wherein the fall damping element (3) is plaited around or wovenaround, as a cord core.
 10. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-9,wherein the fall damping element (3) consists of a filament yarn bundlehaving a proportion of up to 50% of a particularly high-strength fibermaterial such as preferably polyamide, polyester and p-Aramid, the lastmaterial in particular having a different breaking extension.
 11. Falldamper according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the fall damping element(3) in the allotted length is present, limited to a preselectedextension length by a high-strength material, preferably metallic orhigh-strength fibers.
 12. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-11,wherein the fall damping element (3) in a belt restraining system invehicles arrests the body mass colliding forward with a predefined forceand is thereby provided for the damping of the collision forces on thesafety belt or the airbag.
 13. Fall damper according to one of claims1-12, wherein the fall damping element (3) is twisted, plaited, knittedor woven as a cord or band.
 14. Fall damper according to one of claims1-13, wherein the fall damping element (3) is constituted as a coreelement having a protective sheath plaited, knitted or woven around it.15. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-14, wherein the receivingmeans (1′, 2′) is integrated into the connecting element (1, 2) or isrespectively fastened as at least one separate element to the connectingelement (1, 2).
 16. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-15, whereinthe receiving means (1′, 2′) has rounded edges and is manufactured ofmetal, metal alloys, plastic, or high-strength fibers.
 17. Fall damperaccording to one of claims 1-16, wherein the connecting elements (1, 2)and the receiving means (1′, 2′) consist of textile, plastic-like, ormetallic materials.
 18. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-17,wherein the path (ΔL) for a fiber bundle is given by the relationshipaccording to Equations (I), (II) and (III): n=F _(const) /F_(kFiber)  (I) ΔL=mgh/[(1−ε₁/2ε₂)·n·F _(kFiber−) mg]  (II)L=ΔL·100%/ε₂  (III) where ΔL [m]=extension length of the fall damper L[m]=length of the filament yarn for the fall damping element m [kg]=massto be caught g [m/s²]=acceleration due to gravity h [m]=height of fallof mass to be caught ε₁ [%]=extension path in % up to constant forceprogression ε₂ [%]=extension path in % up to additional increase inforce
 19. Fall damper according to one of claims 1-18, wherein it actsto damp forces which arise as shocks, as is the case in rock climbingand ice climbing, so that only a small portion of the extension path, orrespectively of the extension element, is required, and wherein it isprovided for multiple, short-term stresses.
 20. Fall damper according toone of claims 1-19, wherein it is surrounded by an elastic or partiallyelastic protective sheath (4, 4′, 4″), which is extended to the maximumextension length and then forms a load-bearing element for arresting thestill remaining forces.
 21. Method of operation of a fall damperaccording to one of claims 1-19, characterized in that in the normalload dropping case, the arresting impact is substantially taken up bythe fall damping element (3) in the first and second extension regions(0, ε₁; ε₁, ε₂) of the arrest impact; and in the overload case, in thethird extension region (ε₁, ε₂), the forces of the arrest impact whichare possibly still remaining are taken up, or braked, until the fallingbody is stationary; or, in the extreme overload case, after the thirdextension region (ε₂, ε₃), the remaining forces are taken up by anallotment of additional high-strength fiber materials.
 22. Methodaccording to claim 21, wherein, in the presence of a fall dampingelement (3) with elastic or at least partially elastic properties,during load dropping the fall damping element is completely or partiallydeformed.
 23. Use of the fall damper according to one of claims 1-19 inconnection with safety belts in vehicles.
 24. Use of the fall damperaccording to one of claims 1-19 in connection with safety belts inaircraft, high performance trains, buses and motorcycles.
 25. Use of thefall damper according to one of claims 1-19 in connection with emergencyrestraint systems for cushioning on aircraft and in motor vehicles. 26.Use of the fall damper according to one of claims 1-19 in mountainsports.